Within this list I used my own words from past reviews, and ranked my top ten films of 2012.
1-Zero Dark Thirty
"This is one of the best films of the year, the subject matter is
handled beautifully, by the geniuses Bigelow, and Boal. Along with
Chastain this team is complete, and they work together effortlessly. Zero
Dark Thirty is a thrilling ride into the search for a monster, and
never lets you leave the edge of your seat."
Of all the
films this year Zero Dark Thirty proves to be allegorical to the evolving theme
of the film. In an changing society the hunt for a terrorist provides relief
yet anguish. The way Bin Laden was found harkens to the simplicity, with
a take down by Navy S.E.A.L.S. Yet the brutal tactics of torture and
cultural differences add to changing global conversation. In a closing thought
of where do you want to go next, the question is left to relieve, but haunt.
This is the smartest, film of the year, and the team of Bigelow and Boal did it
again!
2-Beasts of the Southern Wild
“For Benh
Zeitlin's first major feature film this is one of the most masterfully directed
films. Zeitlin's work with the camera, and his actor's, none have which
had done any major motion picture, proves that the energy and heart behind a
director can make a film. Zeitlin not only directed the film, but her
helped write the screenplay, and helped compose one of the best scores of the
year. As you watch Beasts you would imagine that Zeitlin is an
experienced filmmaker, who has mastered the craft of film making and has been
making movies for years. It's not the years that count, but the passion
behind the auteur, and Zeitlin's work on this film is nothing short of
amazing.”
3-Amour
“Haneke's direction and script
brilliantly unfold a tale filled with moments of agony, grief, but ultimately
filled with love. As you watch Georges struggle, or Ann slip further into
illness their connection may hit rough patches. Haneke does not spell out his
direction with 100 percent certainty; he often works in the grey leaving
ambiguity for the viewer to decide the meaning of a touch, a look, or silent
moment. This helps further strengthen the depth of the story, and makes
the performances in his film even stronger.”
4-The Master
“One of the brilliant aspects of this film is the
way Paul Thomas Anderson focuses on Joaquin Phoenix's Quell and the
disillusionment he faces in a post World War II society. Most people
always painted the 50s as this golden era of family values, the husbands/men
came home from the war they got their plot of land in Levitttown, settled with
their "girl" and led a happy life. Anderson uses the concept of
this lost soul and the newly developed "religion" which takes
advantage of those people had no place when they came back from the War.”
5-Argo
“The star of this film (in all ways
possible) is leading man/director Ben Affleck. Affleck moves away from
Boston and into the terrain of Hollywood and Iran. One of my favorite
lines in the script comes from the fake make-up artists on the film John Chambers
(John Goodman) in which he states "So you want to
come to Hollywood and and act like a big shot without actually doing
anything?..You will fit right in." This along with the line about
anyone being able to direct are laugh out loud moments, but Affleck proves everyone
may be able to point the camera, and shoot, but not everyone can create such
great work. This is one of the best films of the year, and Affleck's
direction helps set the stage for everything to be made possible.”
6-Moonrise Kingdom
“We Anderson does an incredible job
making the children the center focus of the story while creating interesting
and complex supporting characters out of the major stars. Murray and
McDormand are great are Suzy's parents, and they add their brilliant comic
flare. Norton rarely gets to flex his comedic chops, which is a shame
because he is a talented actor who can do it all, and I love watching him take
his role as Troop Leader 55 so seriously. I was struck most by Bruce
Willis; he hit this role out of the park, and has done some of the best acting
I have ever seen him do, his raw emotion mixed with great wit is terrific in
this film. Then there were the great small roles for the flawless Tilda
Swinton, the straight man Harvey Keitel, and the incredible Jason Schwartzman
who always shines in his films.
7-Holy Motors
“Director Leo Carax a former film critic, takes you on a journey
fitting together these different puzzle pieces to create something much larger
about film. Carax worked on a larger budget American film, but the film
never came to life. With this project never coming to life Carax, started
working on this low budget film, and was finally brought to the screen 13 years
after his last picture. Motors feels like director David Lynch's
Mullholland Dr. both providing a sharp critique on movies today, and the
evolution of the modern cinema. The "actor" goes from gig to
gig without the emotional understanding of the part or faking the way they feel
about the character. One of the funniest moments was when Lavant played
the dying millionaire whose step niece was grieving for him. After he
said his goodbye in what would be defined as on
screen, Monsiuer Oscar gets up asks the girl her name and walks out
of the room.”
8-Skyfall
“One of the brilliant aspects of
this film is the sense of a world changing, but that this change is causing
more chaos than good. The post 9/11 world where the terrorist runs
rampant, and is beyond the simple bald man stroking a cat, the villain has to
be smoked out the old fashioned way. How is the James Bond character
relevant, or is he? This franchise poses the question that was
established in Casino Royale. Bond has to become a new man, even
though he may not be ready or even up to the challenges of the the people he
will have to face. Craig tackles this role better than ever in this film,
not only showing that he can kick ass, but continuing to show the evolution the
character started in this "reboot."
9-Lincoln
“As Daniel Day Lewis steps on stage,
there is chill that passed down my spine, something he often invokes with his
acting, or presence. Day Lewis is a brilliant as Lincoln; he brings to
life the man, his speeches, and shows you just how comfortable he was
connecting with the masses. Lincoln was one of the few Presidents we have
had who came from nothing, Day Lewis connects with this aspect of Lincoln, and
proves that within him there is a way for you to connect with him in this role
on every level in believe in the greatness of this man.”
10-Looper
“Johnson's script and direction are
key players in bringing this world to life. Bob Ducsay's editing
brilliantly blends the complicated elements of the story. There are
moments when you feel that the complicated nature of the story could hold the
film back, but Docsay's editing helps strengthen the power of the story, with
quick cuts that blend the stories of young and old Joe.”
Back in June 2011 (almost two years ago now) I wrote a post entitled "Does Produced by Steven Spielberg Mean Anything Anymore?" I stand by my thoughts within this that Spielberg is losing his producer mojo, but there is also something impressive and magical about his legacy.
